Ohm Walsh Micro Talls: who's actually heard 'em?


Hi,

I'd love to hear the impressions of people who've actually spent some time with these speakers to share their sense of their plusses and minuses. Mapman here on Audiogon is a big fan, and has shared lots on them, but I'm wondering who else might be familiar with them.
rebbi
When I go to live classical concerts, I take note of the dynamics of the sound, especially the sound of say a well struck Timpani (kettle drum). In cozier halls, you can almost feel it when the timpani drums get struck. I attended a concert at Carnegie hall in NYC earlier this year where the striking of the timpanis was almost an out of body experience as the sound resonated in the hall.

I do the same with similar recordings then at home. A similar well struck, well recorded timpani should be able to knock you out of your seat at home as well.
Bondmanp,

I get the "picking apart" thing... it's natural to do with something this expensive, plus you're acutely aware that you can still get much of your money back (except for shipping those beasties) within your test period. I'm not made of money either!

That said, I've found that the 100's have kept sounding more and more alive as they've broken in. Given that I don't get as much time to listen as I'd like, that's taken much of a year to happen, but it has happened. The Ohms have "opened up" in all sorts of ways. For what it's worth...
Yeah, I think I had my 5s for almost a year before I was convinced they had fully opened up in terms of dynamics.

The 100S3s were acquired second hand and largely broken in it seemed when I got them.

I'd pull the trigger right away on a bigger amp for the 5s in my bigger room if I were not fully satisfied with the dynamics, but whenever I listen, I am. My approach is always if it ain't broke, don't fix it, even though I am still curious what a big monster amp ( or more likely for me a juicier Class D) might do.

I also am very big on avoiding fatigue listening. For me, most any system that is not fatiguing can be enjoyable. But my 5s were my attempt to go for broke sound wise without fatigue, and I could not be happier. That Walsh driver with all that surface area in play to produce all that gorgeous midrange which is at the core of most all great recordings.....ahhh!
Bondmanp- your posts may be long, but when I'm done reading them, I want more. Keep 'em coming.

I think it's important to note shortcomings in the Ohm's (and all speakers, for that matter)- otherwise we become unabashed fan-boys and might as well post on the Audioholics forum. :P

I have very little criticism of the Micro Walsh Talls, although I occassionally miss the bombast that my Deftech BP2006's could impart, especially on movie soundtracks. The Ohm's just don't seem to add to the drama, but rather present what's there- for better or worse.

I've also noted that the soundstage does not move 'into the room' per se. In that sense, it's a bit like a live performance of unamplified music I guess.

I did notice some glare at about the 2 month mark of owning them. It calmed down considerably. Not sure if it's break-in so much as settling into final placement, about 5' 1" apart and 15" from the rear wall (still looks awfully close to my eye, but just right to my ear)
Also I'd say that those cages are kinda boring to look at. I do like the look of a nice set of drivers!